Ala fails to make list of state seeking education monies

Montgomery, AL – - Alabama is not a finalist for "Race tothe Top" education grants from the federal government. The U.S. Department of Education named 16 finalists Thursday inthe competition for $4.35 billion in school reform grants. Alabama was one of 41 applicants in the first round and thewinners will be chosen in April. A second round of applicationswill be accepted in June. Gov. Bob Riley said he was disappointed but not surprised by thenews, which means Alabama won't have a chance to get $181 million. He had been urging legislators to pass a bill to allow charterschools. That would have given Alabama a better chance in thecompetition, which gave states higher marks for innovation.